Letters to the Editor

It is time for the House to work with the President. John Andrew Boehner, Speaker of the House of Representatives, should understand that half of America does not belong to the wealthy and half of this great country does not belong to the middle class and the poor; we are all united for the common good and purpose to make this great nation work for all. In this modern world in which we all live, paying our fair share of taxes should not divide us. In my opinion, it is an insult to the intelligence of all Americans when John A. Boehner made the claim that half of the people in America making over $250,000 are small business owners; and therefore should not pay more taxes. This claim does not hold water; many of the small business owners, Republicans and Democrats, voted to re-elect President Obama. It is time for Speaker Boehner to stand up to the right wing elements in the House of Representatives. The voters that gave President Obama a second term are very much aware of the stonewalling that existed in President Obama’s first term; the right wing elements wanted Obama to fail to prevent a second term. Obama won; and it’s time for the House of Representatives to restore some trust by working for the people to avert the “Fiscal Cliff. “ It is in their hands to undo their damage.

Alfred Waddell

West Dennis, Mass.

Grateful for votes

How do you say something new about a subject that you have discussed 14 times before? I am referring to the need to thank everyone who once again entrusted me with the high honor and privilege of being their voice in Washington. The words “thank you” seem inadequate to convey the depth of my gratitude for the trust placed in me on November 6.

This election season was unique in that the Sixth District gained all or parts of eight new counties. The residents of Caswell, Durham, Granville, Orange, Person, Rockingham, Stokes, and Surry counties didn’t know me and I didn’t know them prior to the new district lines being drawn. Along with holdovers, Alamance and Guilford, the new Sixth District honored me by electing me to another two-year term as their representative.

I enjoyed spending the past year travelling throughout the 10 counties of the district meeting new friends and renewing old acquaintances. I want to thank my opponents in the primary and Tony Foriest in the general election for affording the voters a choice at the ballot box. Democracy is healthier when many participate in the process.

Now that the political season is concluded (it is over for awhile, right?), I pledge to do my best to uphold the confidence shown in me. We will strive to bring the same level of outstanding constituent services to the new Sixth as we have in the past.

Sincerely,

Howard Coble

Member of Congress

Attend Christmas Parade

Letter to the editor:

Yes its a Christmas Parade still, not as some say “Holiday Parade” The Walnut cove Masonic Lodge started sponsoring the parade in 99 or 2000. It has been a wonderful experience every year that we certainly enjoy and according to folks its better each year. Entrants aren’t charged, but this year we are asking that each entrant bring 3 cans of food for the East Stokes Outreach Ministry. (Now we don’t limit you to three, bring all you want, they’ll appreciate it) We do have a food booth each year and charge other vendors on the street.

When we voted to sponsor the parade we also voted that any and all profit must go to a vaiable charity in Stokes County, since they’re the ones spending the money. We have given to at least one high school band, hospice, boy scout troops and about three years ago our parade chairman Bro Arzell Montgomery said he awoke one really cold night and was so warm in his bed and the thought occurred to him “I wonder if there’s someone that don’t have heat tonight?” that year and every year since we’ve given the profits to ESOM heat fund, and I suspect it just may go there again.

Come out, enjoy the parade and spend a lot of money, knowing you are helping somebody in Stokes County.